Sierra snags split in day two of Easter classic

FRESNO — Sierra High earned its first victory of the Fresno Easter Classic, but couldn’t make it two straight falling to Centennial in the nightcap 12-2 Tuesday.

Sierra (6-4) got a solid outing out of starting pitcher Dylan DeBrouwer, who cruised for six innings before giving way to closer Kenny Leasure in the 6-5 win over Sanger. Leasure came in for a three-up-three-down seventh for his fifth save of the season.

The Timberwolves lifted DeBrouwer into the win column by breaking out in the fifth with a five-run inning. John Waggy provided the big hit, smacking a three-run double to push Sierra ahead 6-5. DeBrouwer helped his cause, going 2 for 3 at the plate.

Caleb Young also finished 2 for 3, stroking a double and driving in a run.

The Timberwolves’ roll was short lived, running into a strong Centennial team and falling in seven.

Centennial (13-3) jumped out with three in the first and three more in the third for a lightning quick 6-1 lead.

Sierra managed eight hits in the contest, getting 2 for 4 performances from Joey Valencia and Waggy, while John Perez finished the game 2 for 3. Both Young and Waggy drove in runs for Sierra with base hits.

Sierra will be back on the diamond today in the tournament finale against Lemoore.

Stagg TournamentManteca 9, Stagg 1

STOCKTON – Manteca used a strong showing from starting pitcher Kevin Peck to sail to an easy 9-1 win during the second day of the Stagg Tournament.The Buffaloes (8-4-1) stifled the host Delta Kings, getting a five-hitter from Peck and a towering solo-shot from Matt Barber in the victory. Peck went the distance, striking out four and walking one for the win.

Trey Roberts led the Manteca offensive attack, going 2 for 3 with an RBI, while Matt Burrows went 1 for 2 with a pair of walks and two RBIs. Barber was 1 for 3 in his three trips to the plate with the homer.

“Right now, they are doing a good job,” Manteca head coach Gene Ballardo said. “We were able to get in some work and we got the victory which is always nice. We just really need to start focusing on our plate appearances.

“I want us to really begin concentrating and staying focused through entire at bat’s.”

The Buffaloes will try and make it eight straight when they meet up with Edison High at 1 p.m.

River City Classic River City 16, East Union 2

WEST SACRAMENTO – The Lancers had no answer for the tournament hosts, getting drubbed 16-2 Tuesday.

River City spotted East Union (3-7) two runs in the first, before plastering the Lancers for seven in the first, five in the second and four more in the third.

Steven Gigli and John Ott both hit doubles and Joe Modesto plated a run with an RBI single. East Union will try and get things figured out at 12:30 p.m. when they meet up with River Valley.

Non-leagueMcNair 11, Lathrop 1

STOCKTON – Struggles continued for the young Spartans.

“Pitching is our Achilles ‘heel right now,” Lathrop head skip Randy Baltazar said. “We need to find a way to locate pitches and not give away free bases.”

Starter Pablo Chavez surrendered five earned runs before giving way to Michael Pereznegron who got touched for only two runs in 5 2/3 innings of work.

“I thought Mikey did a great job out there,” Baltazar said. “He had great command of the strike zone and he allowed his defense to make plays behind him.”

Jose Sevilla and Alex Moreno both finished the contest 1 for 2, with Sevilla driving in Moreno for Lathrop’s lone run.

SophomoresMcNair 11, Lathrop 9

STOCKTON – The Spartans battled for seven innings, but couldn’t keep the Eagles off of the scoreboard late.

Jared Weiler and Jose ojas both got two hits for Lathrop, while Marcus Mertillien and Jesse Palen both tallied a hit. Mertillen smashed a triple and drove in a run.